Multi-Hop Network Topology System and Method

Abstract

A wireless communication system and method for a network having a tree topology. An initial path from a base station to an end relay node is selected. The path selection includes an active communication path and a redundant communication path. The path selection is based on at least one policy factor. The at least one policy factor is monitored and the path is updated based on a change to the monitored at least one policy factor.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a method and system for wireless communication and in particular to a method and system for wireless communication using relay nodes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]As the demand for high speed broadband networking over wireless communication links increases, so too does the demand for different types of networks that can accommodate high speed wireless networking. For example, the deployment of IEEE 802.11 wireless networks in homes and business to create Internet access “hot spots” has become prevalent in today's society. However, these IEEE 802.11-based networks are limited in bandwidth as well as distance. For example, maximum typical throughput from a user device to a wireless access point is 54 MB / sec. at a range of only a hundred meters or so. In contrast, while wireless range can be extended through other technologies such as cellular technology, data throughput using current cellular technologies is limited to a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about supporting changes in wireless communication networks, such as those operating under the IEEE802. 16j standard. It provides a method for selecting the best path for communication between a base station and an end relay node based on policies, and allows for real-time monitoring and adjustment of the selected path based on changes in the communication environment. The invention also includes a way to evaluate the quality of the communication using a relay node preamble, which is transmitted periodically to evaluate the environment. Overall, this innovation enhances the reliability and stability of wireless communication networks.

Problems solved by technology

However, these IEEE 802.11-based networks are limited in bandwidth as well as distance.

In contrast, while wireless range can be extended through other technologies such as cellular technology, data throughput using current cellular technologies is limited to a few MB / sec.

However, the 802.16e standard does not provide support for multi-hop networks that use relay nodes.

The complexity involved in supporting multi-hop networks in a robust manner necessarily involves sophisticated control layer protocols.

For example, as noted above, the IEEE 802.16e standard does not support multi-hop networks.

The IEEE 802.16j standard for supporting multi-hop networks has been proposed, but the standard supports only a tree-based topology and does not provide good arrangements or methods for advanced topology support such as active and redundant path selection, i.e., path diversity, topology learning and congestion control for wireless communication from the mobile station to the supporting base station.

As such, relay-based networks implemented under the existing IEEE 802.16j standard do not provide a reliable communication environment that can easily react to congestion and topology changes whether through the addition or subtraction of a relay node as part a normal business process or as a result of a failure or error condition within the network.

However, a problem will arise in an environment in which relay stations are implemented in a wireless network that is arranged to support the desired topology-related aspects described above.

As such, a single radio relay node wanting to monitor preambles to support topology-related changes would stop its own IEEE 802.16e preamble transmission thereby adversely impacting the normal operation of supported mobile stations.

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